A first-grade teacher, who worked at schools in both Manhattan and Queens, has been charged in federal court with possessing and distributing hundreds of images and videos “of child pornography that depict pre-pubescent children engaging in sexually explicit conduct” after investigators traced online accounts and internet addresses back to him, prosecutors announced Thursday.

Christopher Ward, 37, of Farmingdale, Long Island, was arrested Wednesday and appeared before Judge Sara Cave in Manhattan federal court, where he pleaded not guilty.

He is facing one count each of receipt and distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography - charges that carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

"Mr. Ward was arraigned yesterday and entered a plea of not guilty. The cha

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